Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2362

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Sibbald , B .
Doctors asked to take pledge to shun drug company freebies
CMAJ 2001 Feb 01; 164:(4):531

Abstract:

A group of US health care providers, organizers of “No Free Lunch,” is asking physicians to take a pledge to be free of drug company money and influence through gifts in their clinical practice, teaching and research. Studies are cited that indicate that gifts affect prescribing practices. In Canada drug companies have increased their self-monitoring but freebies are still common. Particular concern is expressed over free drug samples provided routinely in both countries. Samples may help poor people, but patients end up paying for them through generally higher drug prices and because samples are usually provided for the newest, most expensive medications. Samples “force the doctor into marketing for the drug company.” Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Boston Medical Center and University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics have banned samples. People who sign onto “No Free Lunch” are likely the ones who least need to do so, but the pledge is still important because it sends the message that “free” items come with strings attached.

Keywords:
*news story/Canada/